EFOS Business Forum addresses energy costs and productivity in Croatia

The 5th EFOS Business Forum, titled ‘Geopolitics, Energy and Productivity: New Rules of Competitiveness’, was held at the Faculty of Economics in Osijek on October 23, 2026. The event brought together representatives from the business sector, academia, and the public sector to discuss how geopolitical shifts and energy availability impact Croatian economic competitiveness.

Davor Štern, a consultant and former Croatian Minister of Economy, delivered a keynote lecture regarding energy as a geopolitical tool. He noted that current energy prices are often driven by speculation and algorithms rather than physical supply, suggesting that oil prices would be approximately $70 per barrel without current geopolitical tensions. He expressed concern that rising prices and inflation could continue to weaken the European economy.

Dean Sunčica Oberman Peterka emphasized the forum's role in fostering open dialogue between academia and industry to address issues critical to the future of regional and national enterprises.